Women's Participation in the Armed Forces Will Positively Influence Decision-Making Processes: Tatoyan

The Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan participated in the final online session of the Steering Committee for the program "Human Rights and Women in the Armenian Armed Forces." Tatoyan emphasized that the protection of women's rights in the armed forces is a priority for the Human Rights Defender's office, aiming to promote their involvement and advancement, as well as to ensure equal opportunities since women's participation will have a positive impact on the decision-making process.

He presented to the participants of the discussion the efforts of the Human Rights Defender to break stereotypes regarding the role of women in the armed forces. In particular, he noted that within the framework of the "Become an Example" awareness campaign, videos have been prepared highlighting both cadets and women successfully balancing military service with family life, which have also been broadcast on television.

Tatoyan also informed that the office is paying significant attention to individual complaints; for instance, thanks to the Defender's support, soon military husbands will be able to serve in the same military unit.

Opening remarks at the discussion were also made by Natalia Vutova, head of the Council of Europe Office in Yerevan, David Moran, acting ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Armenia, Yeghishe Kirakosyan, representative of the Republic of Armenia to the European Court of Human Rights, and Gabriel Balayan, Deputy Minister of Defense.

It is noteworthy that the program is being implemented by the Council of Europe within the framework of the 2019-2022 Action Plan for Armenia and is funded by the United Kingdom. The action plan is also supported by Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Sweden. The main beneficiary of the program is the office of the Human Rights Defender.